THE WORDS OF JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF MARK

Introduction

We are so glad you are joining us for these daily prayer devotionals as together we seek the heart of our God. Over the coming weeks, we will focus on some of the most meaningful words of our savior Jesus Christ from the book of Mark, as we follow his journey with his disciples on the path toward the cross. Our journey of prayer and fasting will culminate on Easter Sunday as we celebrate His resurrection, declaring victory over sin, death and shame.

Each devotion will take less than ten minutes of your time.

1. We will Engage the Word – looking at some of Jesus’ words in their biblical context.
2. We will Connect the Heart – considering a truth that is applicable to our lives.
3. We will Reflect on the Truth, asking a number of questions each day that invite us to look and listen with intent.
4. And we will Depend on the Spirit – We will pray, for it is in praying that we learn to pray. And it is in praying that the Spirit changes our hearts.

We want to encourage you to grab a journal or a notebook – something to write on as you walk through each prayer guide. Yes, it will add a few minutes to the time it takes to do the devotion, and it will also deepen your experience and shape your walk with God for years to come. This journal or notebook will be a keepsake to remind you of God’s faithfulness during this challenging season for all of us.

Engage the Word

 Mark 6:48-50

       48     And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them,

       49     but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out,

       50     for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Connect the Heart

As we look forward to Easter next week, it is good to remind ourselves what we believe as Christians: Jesus lived a perfect life, died a horrific death in our place on a cross – and rose from the grave, overcoming death! In this passage we see another miracle from Jesus – and again, we see fear from the disciples. They were struggling to make headway on a raging sea – just as we struggle to make headway in a fallen world. They witness another miracle and yet are still afraid. Jesus’ words here ring true across the millennia, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” We know he’s overcome even death. What could we possibly fear in following Him, wherever He leads us?

Reflect on the Truth

1. Do you find yourself in hard situations relying on your own strength? Do you need – or are you asking for a miracle? You know it is okay to bring those situations to the Lord and petition through prayer and thanksgiving for miracles, right? You know it is okay to invite others in to pray with you, right?

2. Are you open to him answering your prayers in unexpected ways? Are you ready for miracles?

3.Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the deeper longings, desires or motives in your heart that these thoughts are pointing to. (for example: you may write down, “The storm I’m facing is too big for me. It’s easy to say I shouldn’t be afraid, but I definitely am. I need your help, Lord.”) The Lord can help us discern the path forward – through His word, His Spirit, His people.

4. Do you take heart in knowing that He is God? When do you have trouble not being afraid? Praying for a peace that transcends understanding and focusing on His promise to always be with us – no matter what – will help in these situations.

Depend on the Spirit

Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you see life’s challenges for what they are: opportunities to rely on the Lord’s promises and power. Pray to hear Jesus’ words from this passage clearly through your prayers, especially in times of trouble, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

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For a guide to fasting, read our initial post “Why Fast?” and also Richard Foster’s great article on “The Purpose of Fasting.”